congrats on the Roubaix and yes this can be a very expensive sport/hobby but it also has a direct relationship to your overall health/happiness. For me if I actually use the bike I don't mind paying whatever it takes for me to enjoy it more and use it more(within reason of course). While I'm mostly a recumbent guy I can totally relate. There are much worse hobbies that we could be out there doing. Having said that and as long as I can still afford it I don't see a problem spending $$$ on them.

Bosock

12-16-13 05:49 AM

Very nice bike...you will have no remorse after a few rides on that baby.

Lucillle

12-16-13 06:35 AM

I've always thought that having a family does not mean one has to forever deny oneself things as long as the kids come first. But the kids are getting gifts, you bought the bike, what sort of gift is planned for your husband?

indyfabz

12-16-13 08:59 AM

Just think how you are going to feel when you see that new ASPCA holiday commerical featuring "Silent Night" and shots of all the abused animals you could have helped with the money you spent on your new toy. Expect a call from Sara McLlachlan any time now. :)

PhotoJoe

12-16-13 09:07 AM

Congrats. Like EVERYONE else has said, no guilt required, unless it cut into paying the mortgage and now you, your family and your BEAUTIFUL new bike are going to be homeless! :roflmao2:

Please post your ride impressions, especially as compared to your Ironman once you have some miles logged. The Roubaix is a commonly sought bike around here and your impressions will help others that follow! (Besides, I want the true story of how one really rides. I know TrojanHorse has one, but he's a fanboy! :p)

JReade

12-16-13 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maycat
(Post 16332035)

I researched upgrading it but I could get a new bike for what it would cost to upgrade the gearsets and wheels.

What kind of upgrades were you planning?

Dunbar

12-16-13 12:45 PM

Nice bike, I have a soft spot for those matte black Roubaix's (I used to have one.) Any particular reason you didn't go for the women's specific version - the Ruby?

If you haven't picked the bike up yet consider having them install Dura Ace 9000 or Ultegra 6800 cables. I have them on my 105 equipped Roubaix and it makes a big difference in shift quality.

SethAZ

12-16-13 02:02 PM

Nice bike! As everyone else has said, just ride the crap out of the bike and all is forgiven. Now, if the bike collects dust in the garage, then you can start feeling guilty. ;)

Chitown_Mike

12-16-13 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maycat
(Post 16332035)

Hello everyone!

I am a tall 270 lb Athena, that is relatively fit but a big girl - I work out during the week and ride on the weekends. My goal is to do the Wildflower Century ride in 2014. Today is my birthday, I turn 43, and yesterday I bought myself a(nother) bike. A very sweet bike, a 2014 Specialized Robouix Sport 105. I have been cycling for the past 2 years off and on. A month ago I had a bad fall on my trusted roadbike,a 1988 David Scott Ironman. I love that bike, but the downtube shifters don't make me feel confident.

Anyway, I am picking up the new bike today. It is my birthday present to myself, as my husband informed me that because all his money will go towards my step-kid's Christmas gifts I won't be getting a birthday or Christmas present from him (love those December birthdays). I am feeling a lot of anxiety about this bike. I feel like how dare I get such an expensive bike? My husband supports me through this, but heck, it is a lot of money. Since I plan on doing the Wildflower Century ride next year. The other riders in my area have commented that the gearing on my Ironman isn't going to work on the hilly portion of the ride. I researched upgrading it but I could get a new bike for what it would cost to upgrade the gearsets and wheels.

I have spent the past month visiting every LBS around, researching bikes, and putting together my budget. I was planning on getting a cheaper Secteur, or find one on Craigslist, but this one showed up yesterday and after riding it, I could not say no to it. I got a great deal, it fits amazing and the LBS is taking good care of me. It is more than I was planning to spend, but financially, I can pull it off.

Today, I am picking up the bike but can't help but feel very guilty about what I am doing. Have any other Clydes or Athenas felt this way?

I am going through the EXACT same range of emotions. I am turning 30 at the end of January and have been eyeballing a new road bike since I smashed my last one in September of this year. My wife and I have had conversation about it, the cost, bills, and the fact we have our second on the way and she won't be working once that baby comes. I am looking at a career change, I lost a lot of weight so most of my clothes don't fit, and we aren't where we want to be financially just yet (not broke, everyone has shoes so relax all....).

However, despite all that, I am feeling like I do not "deserve" a new bike (or anything nice for that matter) but I also know that this will be an investment I will keep around for several years and upgrade parts as needed (or wanted).

Very glad to hear I am not the only one who has struggled with this.

And congrats on the bike, looks frickin' sweet!!

Maycat

12-16-13 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunbar
(Post 16334605)

Nice bike, I have a soft spot for those matte black Roubaix's (I used to have one.) Any particular reason you didn't go for the women's specific version - the Ruby?

If you haven't picked the bike up yet consider having them install Dura Ace 9000 or Ultegra 6800 cables. I have them on my 105 equipped Roubaix and it makes a big difference in shift quality.

Thank you. I was originally going the get a Dolce 105, as it was much cheaper, but I am so tall and have a long torso, so it didn't fit at all. I was so sad and was looking around for another 105. When I showed up at the LBS ready to get the Secteur, it was a pleasant surprise that this one showed up the day before due to a bike swap. The only thing is the front derailer is Tiagra.

I will call them and see about installing those cables! One thing I didn't get is a bike computer. I am still trying to figure out which one to get. They only had a wierd blue wireless computer left.

Maycat

12-16-13 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmallFront
(Post 16332048)

I'm not a Clyde or Athena, but I am in the ball park of you with regards to age (I am 40 for a couple more weeks, lol).I just bought an expensive bike: A Bullitt with Alfine 11s and with a kid's seat, box, and everything. I too felt a bit uneasy and guilty about it all, but truth be told, it gives me so much pleasure that it was worth it. I bike more than before, I use the bike several times a day, and I thoroughly enjoy it.

If it can get you out and enjoy yourself without having to force yourself or feel unsafe (I'm thinking of the downtube shifters), I think you needn't feel guilty.

Thank you SmallFront, I am excited about your bike! It sounds like it is amazing, and very practical. I would love to live in Copenhagen and ride a bike everywhere. Happy Birthday!

Maycat

12-16-13 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10 Wheels
(Post 16333340)

Just bought new bike and feeling guilty...

You should feel guilty.....You are getting behind.

Bought Two new bikes last year.

Bought Two used bikes this year.

Haha! 10 Wheels! That is awesome!

Maycat

12-16-13 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JReade
(Post 16334060)

What kind of upgrades were you planning?

I would love to upgrade to brifters/shimano brake shifters, but since it is a 7 x 2 the lbs mechanics said I couldn't do that without replacing the wheelsets/ cogs to 8 or 9. They said I could do bar end shifters. As I was riding this it was just to hard to shift. I got used to them, but it is nothing like the ease of shifting with this bike. I may still upgrade it and get my husband to ride it.

Maycat

12-16-13 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indyfabz
(Post 16333857)

Just think how you are going to feel when you see that new ASPCA holiday commerical featuring "Silent Night" and shots of all the abused animals you could have helped with the money you spent on your new toy. Expect a call from Sara McLlachlan any time now. :)

Hilarious! Indyfabz, we have rescued SO MANY animals in the past few years, our karma is golden right now! Another good reason to get a bike.

Maycat

12-16-13 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucillle
(Post 16333614)

I've always thought that having a family does not mean one has to forever deny oneself things as long as the kids come first. But the kids are getting gifts, you bought the bike, what sort of gift is planned for your husband?

My stepkids are getting a bunch of stuff, despite the fact that they have been pretty naughty teenagers. My husband is getting a tablet and a bike helmet so he can ride with me! Of course, cost wise this bike is much more than any present I could buy for anyone.

Even my special birthday dinner ended up being a disaster, and I had to toughen up and think of this bike otherwise I would have started crying and have a pity-party. I was thinking it was going to get better the next day, and went to have dinner with my parents and sister and it turned out they made the main course with what I am horrifically allergic too! They were asking how allergic was I, and I had to explain how I would need to call in sick when I had a reaction, and they said that it would be an excuse to get off work. So I just went to the store and bought my own food! Then I drank a bunch of wine and was all better. The more I think about it, the better this bike is, because although my husband and family love me, no one is going to take care of me except for myself. I work 50 + hours a week, and spend my time off caring for my husband and (sometimes difficult) stepkids, so I can justify this purchase.

Dunbar

12-16-13 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maycat
(Post 16335916)

I will call them and see about installing those cables! One thing I didn't get is a bike computer. I am still trying to figure out which one to get. They only had a wierd blue wireless computer left.

If you don't wear reading glasses I'd suggest the Cateye Strada Double Wireless on Amazon for ~$65. If you ever plan on getting a power meter it might be cheaper in the long run to get a Garmin.

JReade

12-17-13 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maycat
(Post 16335937)

I would love to upgrade to brifters/shimano brake shifters, but since it is a 7 x 2 the lbs mechanics said I couldn't do that without replacing the wheelsets/ cogs to 8 or 9. They said I could do bar end shifters. As I was riding this it was just to hard to shift. I got used to them, but it is nothing like the ease of shifting with this bike. I may still upgrade it and get my husband to ride it.

Any mechanic can lock out the 3rd click on the front. Do you have a co-op near you? I bet you could have this upgraded to similar shifting for your husband for ~100-120 dollars.

Thank you for sharing this. I was told be a LBS mechanic that this is problematic with the 7 speed cog. I will take it to someone else, and get a new helmet for hubby. Supposedly the 600x components are pretty nice with the Ironman David Scott Expert.

indyfabz

12-18-13 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maycat
(Post 16335940)

Hilarious! Indyfabz, we have rescued SO MANY animals in the past few years, our karma is golden right now! Another good reason to get a bike.

We have a rescue cat that's as big as many small dogs. FIV+, so he was hard to place.

Guilty, no way. Enjoy your ride, pedal it till you have to replace the tires, repeat. My new enduro ( 29er mountain) cost 3 large. Painted the house this summer, saved 6 large. It goes well with the 8 other bikes in my garage. You can't put price tag on health and fitness.

Daspydyr

12-18-13 04:20 PM

Congrats on the bike and your goals, I am rooting for you.

I always feel guilty spending money on myself. But when you spread out the cost over the years that you own the bike and the emotional and physical benefits as well as meeting a few people. biking is a tremendous value. ENJOY and Happy Birthday!

JohnJ80

12-19-13 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maycat
(Post 16335967)

My stepkids are getting a bunch of stuff, despite the fact that they have been pretty naughty teenagers. My husband is getting a tablet and a bike helmet so he can ride with me! Of course, cost wise this bike is much more than any present I could buy for anyone.

Even my special birthday dinner ended up being a disaster, and I had to toughen up and think of this bike otherwise I would have started crying and have a pity-party. I was thinking it was going to get better the next day, and went to have dinner with my parents and sister and it turned out they made the main course with what I am horrifically allergic too! They were asking how allergic was I, and I had to explain how I would need to call in sick when I had a reaction, and they said that it would be an excuse to get off work. So I just went to the store and bought my own food! Then I drank a bunch of wine and was all better. The more I think about it, the better this bike is, because although my husband and family love me, no one is going to take care of me except for myself. I work 50 + hours a week, and spend my time off caring for my husband and (sometimes difficult) stepkids, so I can justify this purchase.

Ok, if you're feeling guilty about doing something for yourself after all of that, you need serious psychotherapy.

J.

Maycat

12-20-13 12:28 AM

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnJ80
(Post 16343265)

Ok, if you're feeling guilty about doing something for yourself after all of that, you need serious psychotherapy.